Public Safety Communications Officer
Frederick County - Winchester, Virginia, United States, 22603![Frederick County](/api/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fgeneral-board-default.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdesk-360x180.webp&w=640&q=75&f=webp)
Work at Frederick County
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Overview
Under general supervision, serves in the Department of Public Safety Communications (PSC) on an assigned 12-hour shift as a call-taker, processing 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency phone calls. Provides pre-arrival instructions for medical emergencies, fire and law enforcement events. Responsible for dispatching those events by radio to the appropriate police, fire and emergency medical services personnel. Tracks those units and provides support functions as needed.WORK SCHEDULE:
Work four (4) consecutive days, equaling to a 42 hour work week.Schedule (a): First three (3) consecutive days is a 12 hour shift; and then the fourth (4) day is a six (6) hour shift.Schedule (b): Initial day (1) is six (6) hour shift, and then the next three (3) days are 12 hour shifts.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The requirements for this position include, but are not limited to, those outlined below.Serves as primary point of contact for reporting all 9-1-1 emergencies and non-emergencies in Frederick County.Processes all calls to determine nature of incident, classification, and priority.During life-threatening emergencies, establishes communications with the caller, provides safety/life-saving instructions, and maintains control of conversations until units arrive on the scene.Relays pertinent information to public safety responders via radio in a concise, organized, and understandable manner, monitors radio traffic and provides immediate information and assistance.Works under pressure, exercising good judgment and common sense while making sound decisions in emergency situations. Prioritizes responsibilities based on workload.Utilizes the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to maintain status and awareness of public safety personnel, resources and incidents. Documents CAD as required, and notifies key supervisory and management personnel of critical incidents.Accesses and uses other programs required for daily operations – including phone, radio, mapping, recording, security, records and reporting.Coordinates with other agencies, citizens, and businesses to gather information, make referrals, or dispatch assistance.Conducts computer searches through local, state, and national databases for possibly wanted or missing persons and/or stolen property and interprets and provides information to the requesting public safety personnel. Also confirms such information and enters data in the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) as required.Develops and maintains a working knowledge of highways, streets, developments, buildings, landmarks, and major points of interest in Frederick County as well as familiarization with surrounding jurisdictions and boundaries.Works with co-workers and emergency responders as a cohesive and supportive team.Supports the relationship between PSC and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, responders, and other Frederick County personnel.Represents Frederick County and PSC in a professional manner and with a high level of customer service, adhering to PSC, law enforcement and fire & rescue departmental policies and procedures governing the dissemination of information and confidentiality.Must be punctual and demonstrate regular work attendance.Must be able to work a 12-hour shift (days or nights), including holidays, weekends and inclement weather. Must be able to accept last minute schedule changes including overtime. May be required to work up to 16 hours in emergency situations.Performs other duties as assigned.EDUCATION:
High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) required.EXPERIENCE:
Experience in a public safety related field, dispatch in a call center, and/or customer service environment which required data entry and word processing is required.Experience at a comparable emergency communication center that handles non-emergency and 911 phones, uses a CAD system, and dispatches for police, fire, and rescue services is required.OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the geography of the Frederick County service area including, but not limited to, streets, highways, boundaries, landmarks, businesses, and locations of law enforcement and fire & rescue stations;Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under pressure. Closely follow verbal and written instructions and procedures;Work as a team while maintaining assigned job responsibilities and duties. Customer service and interpersonal communication skills;Computer operation and use of standard and specialized hardware and software to enter information with speed and accuracy;Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, handle stressful situations and angry people, and obtain information from hostile and emotional callers;Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with an emphasis on accurate spelling and transfer of numbers;Listen, understand, and relay information via telephone, radio and in person;Remain calm and controlled under stressful periods while projecting a professional demeanor;Anticipate and adapt to fluctuating workloads.CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND/OR REGISTRATIONS:
The following certifications must be obtained within the probationary period of one year of employment: Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD).The following must be obtained within two years of employment: Virginia Basic Telecommunicator, National Emergency Management Systems (NIMS) 100, 200, 700 and 800; and certifications must be maintained for continued employment.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Work performed is primarily an office classification in a call center/dispatch environment, although occasional standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, to enter, and to retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and radio. Positions in this classification occasionally (daily, weekly, or monthly) bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees may occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Employee works in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and minimal direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Work is performed in a fast-paced, call center environment. Employee must remain alert and responsive while coordinating stressful situations in a fluid and dynamic work environment. Personnel are required to wear a headset device. Employee will be required to work some combination of weekends, nights, or be on-call as a regular part of the job.Public Safety Automatic Disqualifiers
The following disqualifiers apply:Criminal History: Any conviction or plea of guilty or no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.Traffic Violations: Three or more negative points on a Virginia Operator's License or equivalent.Drugs: Sale or distribution of illegal drugs of any kind.Credit: Demonstrated history of financial irresponsibility.Others: Past or current gang affiliation.All positions are subject to a criminal background check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities.The County’s EEO Utilization Report is available at
www.fcva.us/jobs .
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